থাইল্যান্ড পর্যটন গাইড ট্যুর

Doi Phu Kha

Botanist’s paradise

NAN PROVINCE.Doi Phu Kha National Park is a greatdestination for those wanting to combine laid-back relaxationwith moderate exploration of nature. Visitors will notice that thelandscape has been groomed and altered to receive guests. Thatsaid, it does not mean they will not get a high dose of nature withinthe Park.

Beginning with the journey up the mountain from Pua district,visitors will see that large patches of forest on the slope of the hillshave been turned into fruit orchards, namely for lychee. The sightmay not be the best introduction, but on arrival in the Park area, it isa relief to find that most of its forest remains intact.Take time to view the exhibition in the Visitor Centre. Here, guestswill learn that besides the star attraction, Chomphu Phu Khaflowers, there is also a chance to see a living fossil, Caryota gigas.Also known as Hahn ex Hodel, or Tao Rang Yak in Thai, this giantpalm has a height of 40 m and is endemic to the area. The Park alsooffers the possibility of spotting a myriad of wild animals, ranging fromrare birds (the most remarkable one being Sitta formosa) deer, andgibbons to bears, wild elephants, or even tigers.

Something for EveryoneFor those content with lovely strolls through the woods, there are two nature trails near the Park headquarters to enjoy. The small trail is 2 km long; the longer one is 4 km, both winding through a forest of Kesiya, or three-needled, pine, whose fallen needles provide a soft brown carpet over the paths as they lead to Chomphu Phu Kha and Tao Rang Yak groves. The trails are sufficiently well-defined, but the Park recommends visitors be accompanied by a ranger. Trekking should be avoided during the rainy season, as leeches are quite brutal.

Doi Phu Kha offers other activities the whole year round. From Augustto December, the river Nam Wa, with its 20 rapids, provides goodrafting (contact the Visitor Centre to arrange a trip). Bird and butterflylovers should visit between November and June. During February andMarch, the forest will be tinted with the pink blossoms of ChomphuPhu Kha. There are also a number of caves and waterfalls that can beexplored from October to May.

For more sedentary travellers, the Park provides comfortable andaesthetically pleasing accommodation. The smallest options aremade from old carts and bamboo, with thatched roofs. Biggerbungalows perch on a small hill to enjoy a panoramic view ofthe mountain range. Alternatively, a tent can be pitched in thecampground to enjoy stargazing. To wrap up the day, the Park alsoprovides a pavilion to observe the sunset over the hill-lined horizon.